ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Environmental Scientist Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$88,792/yr
Typical range: $91,804 – $110,846
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Environmental Scientist salary by experience level in San Francisco
Environmental Scientist Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $88,792 | $7,399 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $112,014 | $9,335 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $128,407 | $10,701 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $146,165 | $12,180 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $184,414 | $15,368 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $213,920 | $17,827 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $221,297 | $18,441 | +149% |
Current Salary
$88,792
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $43/hr
Next Level Target
$112,014
Junior · 2
+$23Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+7% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Environmental Scientist salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Environmental Scientists in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $89K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Environmental Scientist make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $89K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $43/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Environmental Scientist in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Environmental Scientist in San Francisco, CA earns $168K–$203K/yr.